Genesis 24: Lessons from Isaac and Rebekah’s Marriage on Selecting a Spouse.

Introduction: Genesis Chapter 24 recounts Abraham’s faith in sending his most trusted servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. This is also the longest chapter in the book of Genesis. Every chapter in the Bible is important and should be studied. Yet, the relative length of this chapter compared to others establishes that God cares more about establishing proper relationships with Him and other people than He does in explaining scientific matters like the origins of mankind.

This account should be read on at least three levels. First, the account documents the union of the second patriarch and matriarch of Israel. Second, the account reveals seven truths for any believer to find a godly spouse. Third, this account foreshadows the future marriage between the Church (symbolized by Rebekah) and Jesus (symbolized by Isaac). The faithful servant who guides Rebekah and Isaac together foreshadows the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers.

The seven truths for a person of faith to find a godly spouse revealed in this chapter include: (1) faith in God; (2) purity in yourself and your spouse; (3) prayer for a spouse of virtue; (4) trust in God’s provision; (5) gratitude and joy; (6) praise for God; and (7) obedience and submission.

First, because of his faith, God blessed Abraham in every way. This included his family. From this, God reveals that faith is the first and most important step before He can bless you. This includes (but is not limited to) finding a godly spouse. Second, Abraham sent his trusted (but nameless) servant to find a spouse for Isaac. Yet, the servant could not look for a spouse in Canaan where idol worship was rampant. He allowed his servant to briefly return to Abraham’s extended family in Haran. Yet, Isaac could not leave the Promised Land to return to a place where he might be corrupted because his family in Haran were also idol worshippers. The Holy Spirit carefully selected one woman who would rise above her family’s idolatry and accept the one true God in faith. From this, God reveals that the second most important step for finding a godly spouse is ensuring purity in your spouse and yourself. You and your spouse must be careful not to become unequally yoked in your walk. Third, while in Haran, Abraham’s servant prayed for God to reveal Isaac’s future wife through tests of hospitality that would show her virtue. He did not ask God to bring a woman of beauty. From this, God reveals that you should pray for God to bring you a spouse of godly virtue. He wants you to focus on a person’s inner beauty and godly virtue, not their outward appearance. Fourth, because the servant did not ask for someone with external beauty, God rewarded his faith and wisdom by bringing a spouse for Isaac of exceptional beauty. From this, God reveals that He will provide for your needs when you trust Him in faith. Fifth, after finding Rebekah, the servant showed gratitude toward God. Rebekah in turn ran to her family’s tent with joy. From this, God wants you to respond when He provides for you and your spouse with a life filled with gratitude and joy. Sixth, the servant carefully recounted for Rebekah’s family God’s provision in guiding him to Rebekah. From this, God reveals that you can honor Him and help others come to faith by sharing His praise and your testimony of God’s provision in your life. Finally, Rebekah showed complete obedience and prompt submission to God’s will. From this, God reveals that you are to also give Him complete obedience and prompt submission. You and your spouse must also submit to each other in love.

1. Faith: God Will Bless You and Your Family When You Trust Him in Faith. Gen. 24:1.

2. Purity: God Wants You to Remain Pure and Look for Purity in Marriage. Gen. 24:2-9.

3. Pray for Virtue: Ask God for a Spouse of Virtue over Looks. Gen. 24:10-14.

4. Trust in His Provision: He Provides When You First Seek Inner Beauty. Gen. 24:15-21.

Salomon de Bray 1597 – 1664 (Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well)1

5. Gratitude and Joy: Show Gratitude and Joy To Him in All Things. Gen. 24:22-31.

Antonio Bellucci 1654 – 1726 (Rebecca at the Well)2

6. Praise for God: Bear Witness to Others When God Provides for You. Gen. 24:32-49.

7. Obey God and Submit: Promptly Obey God and Submit to Your Spouse. Gen. 24:50-66.

Arent de Gelder 1645 – 1727 (Isaac meets Rebekah)3